Jason, Similar to Karl's suggestion, we have built a few education systems with a small PV module direct to a 12 VDC bilge/sump pump like the Rule models (with some fusing and disconnecting means of course). Showing movement of water when the module is in clear sun vs partially or completely shading the module seems like an effective way to demonstrate to kids how solar works with a direct load. The whole setup is pretty simple and affordable.
Stephen Kane Kane Solar Lyons, CO -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jesse Dahl Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 7:58 AM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Small PV system/experiment for kids This is for older kids, but may help. I did a project for a 7th - 10th grade science class. The school wanted one module and batteries, but I talked them out of any batteries, and they went with a small awning mount array and grid tied it with weather station, temp and irradiance meters along with monitoring. I created a small week long curriculum for the teachers and walked them through the system using that curriculum. Might be a little more than you're looking for... Jesse Sent from my iPhone Hi Jason, When I was in fifth grade I built a little PV project. It consisted of a very small module (smaller than a dollar bill) and a tiny dc motor mounted in a box with string hooked up to it, and some weights. I demonstrated how shading and irradiance levels affect how much weight the motor could lift. I received an 'A'. Karl Jaeger LightWave Solar Electric On Dec 12, 2012, at 8:08 AM, Jason Szumlanski <[email protected]> wrote: > I have been approached by a local elementary school to develop a very small PV related experiment or system that is appropriate for children aged 9-11. Not having kids myself, I have no idea where to start with this. They are fine with mounting a PV panel on the roof, wall, or ground. They want something interesting and/or interactive that the students can monitor over time. > > Has anyone done something like this that would be suitable? > > Jason Szumlanski > Fafco Solar > _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Home Power magazine > > List Address: [email protected] > > Options & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: [email protected] Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: [email protected] Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
